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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
14:33
Generation, Purification, and Characterization of Cell-invasive DISC1 Protein Species
Published on: August 30, 2012
Human disc degeneration is associated with increased MMP 7 expression
C L Le Maitre1, A J Freemont, J A Hoyland
1Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom.
Summary
Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP 7) increases in the intervertebral disc (IVD) during degeneration. MMP 7 is localized to nucleus pulposus and inner annulus cells, with expression rising with degeneration severity.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration involves decreased matrix synthesis and increased degradation.
- Proteases, including matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP 7), are implicated in IVD pathogenesis.
- MMP 7 cleaves key IVD matrix molecules like aggrecan and collagen type II, but its expression in degeneration is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization and expression changes of MMP 7 in human IVDs during degeneration.
- To determine if MMP 7 is upregulated in degenerated and prolapsed discs compared to non-degenerate discs.
Main Methods:
- Histological grading of 41 human IVDs (non-degenerate, degenerate, prolapsed).
- Immunohistochemistry to localize MMP 7 expression within IVD tissues.
- Hematoxylin and eosin staining for morphological degeneration scoring.
Main Results:
- MMP 7 immunopositivity was observed in chondrocyte-like cells of the nucleus pulposus and inner annulus fibrosus.
- Non-degenerate discs showed minimal MMP 7 immunopositive cells.
- A significant increase in MMP 7 positive cells was found in the nucleus pulposus with increasing degeneration severity, and in prolapsed discs compared to non-degenerate ones.
Conclusions:
- MMP 7 expression is upregulated in the nucleus pulposus and inner annulus fibrosus of degenerating human intervertebral discs.
- The level of MMP 7 upregulation correlates with the severity of disc degeneration.
- MMP 7 is a potential marker and contributor to IVD degeneration pathogenesis.
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